Date: 11 July 2024
Time: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM (GMT)
Location: Online
Webinar: Passport to Inclusion
The webinar featured insights from WTTC’s “Creating Belonging: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging in Travel & Tourism” report. Industry experts discussed how to create diverse and inclusive workplaces and traveller experiences. They emphasised the need for commitment to making the changes, taking deliberate actions, creating inclusive marketing, and implementing robust accessibility measures. The panel provided actionable strategies, highlighting the importance of education, collaboration, patience, consistency, and measurement. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how to advance DEIB in their organisations.
Missed it? Watch the recording below.
Webinar Top 5 Learnings
- DEIB initiatives vary by organisation. Tailored, deliberate initiatives, especially with executive leadership support, are crucial for meaningful progress.
- Challenges exist but they can be overcome. There is a notable gap between the desire to engage in DEIB practices and implementing them. However, with collaboration and commitment to the work these challenges can be overcome.
- Inclusive marketing and accessibility are key. Facilities should cater to travellers with disabilities and marketing should represent diverse identities.
- Commitment and bold actions are needed. Training, trust-building, and a comprehensive approach to inclusion are essential to foster a sense of belonging.
- Start small and measure. Focus on actions you can take now, however small, and ensure you do them consistently. Sustainable, long-term actions help build and maintain a diverse and inclusive culture.
Speakers and Panellists
Lethabo-Thabo Royds
Head of Content & Programme
World Travel & Tourism Council
Kenny Porpora
Partner/Head of Education
HospitableMe
Clark Massad
VP Global Partnerships
IGLTA
Melissa Cherry
Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer/SVP
Miles Partnership
Erica Cary
Global Head of DE&I and Vice President
HR Consulting
Nejc Jus
Head of Research
WTTC
Agenda
Welcome
Lethabo-Thabo Royds, Head of Content and Programme, World Travel & Tourism Council
Opening Remarks
Virginia Messina, SVP: Advocacy & Communications, World Travel & Tourism Council
DEIB report summary
Nejc Jus, Research Director, World Travel & Tourism Council
Panel Discussion / Q&A
Melissa Cherry, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer/SVP, Miles Partnership
Kenny Porpora, Partner/Head of Education, HospitableMe
Clark Massad, VP - Global Partnerships, IGLTA
Erica Cary, Erica Vice President, HR Consulting & DE&I, Hilton
Moderated by: Lethabo-Thabo Royds, Head of Content & Programme, World Travel & Tourism Council
Audience Q&A
Webinar Close
Lethabo-Thabo Royds, Head of Content and Programme, World Travel & Tourism Council
Watch the Recording
Creating Belonging: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging in Travel & Tourism
This report provides a meaningful guide on how to navigate and promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within the Travel & Tourism sector. The qualitative analysis educates readers on the nuances around DEIB terms, while the quantitative analysis of the DEIB metrics defines the present landscape in a few key markets around the world.
